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There are innumerable temples all over the world. However, not all of them are built considering the aspects of Vedic astrology.

The below explanation of scientific reason for visiting a temple is being an explicit understanding of many,“Temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions. The main idol is placed in the core centre of the temple, where earth’s magnetic wave is found to be maximum.Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. The idol is washed to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values.”

However, there are a lot of other articles disagreeing the above content. We aren’t really aware if the temples are being constructed in places of abundant positive energy or magnetic waves, but I am sure that no one will deny the fact that every person present in the temple are mind filled with abundant positive thoughts.Many chant their wishes as Mantras. In a way, one builds enormous faith and belief in what one seeks.One becomes oblivious unlike in a mall or any other public place and also becomes conscious of one’s thoughts.Hence in such a well maintained decorum spread with good feelings, positive vibrations completely suppress the negative vibrations.There is a material reason behind every ritual we adhere to in the temples,

Joining our hands while praying to the God:In Hindu culture, people generally pray to God by joining the palms of both the hands together.However, the exact custom of worshipping is depicted in the picture on the right.On adopting this gesture, we activate the pressure points present at the tip of the fingers, which has many health benefits over mind and body.Also when the knuckles of the thumb fingers rest on the centre of the breastbone, the acupressure point known as cv17 gets activated making one’s mind and heart relaxed.It also helps one uplift concentration counteracting any sort of trauma.

Ringing the bells:The cultural belief of ringing the bells is to keep evil forces away.However, the scientific reason is that it alerts our mind for the devotional purpose. The moment we ring the bell, the sharp sound tunes up high-frequency hearing, improving the centralizing function of the ear.Applying Vibhuti/Holy ash on the forehead:The Cultural belief of Hinduism in applying Vibhuti on the forehead is that it helps remove our sins and therefore purify our soul.However, the science behind this holy ash contributes to various health benefits.The holy ash is generally prepared by burning Karukkai(semi-grown paddy grains), dried cow dungs and hay, by placing them in layers.The white-coloured ash is known to absorb moisture and hence when applied on the forehead has the ability to reduce headaches, sinus problems and diseases caused by sweat.It also controls the body temperature.The antibacterial property of the cow dung, which is one of the major ingredients of vibuthi helps kill bacteria, thereby preventing allergies on the skin and this is the reason behind why some people apply it on certain parts of the body like the upper arms, wrists, chest etc., and some even consume a pinch of it when sick.On applying the sacred ash, we exert some pressure on the points of the forehead which regulates the 7 chakras in the body promoting mental clarity, physical well-being, emotional strength etc…

Applying Kumkuma on the forehead:In Hinduism, kumkuma symbolizes good fortune and prosperity and also evinces a woman’s marital status.Kumkuma is said to be kept on the forehead; at the point between our eyebrows, where most of the nerves in the body intersect.Hence, stimulating this point relaxes the facial muscles, intensifies concentration and alertness.This acupressure therapy also contributes to relieving insomnia.Since the powder is prepared by mixing dried turmeric powder and slaked lime, its anti-bacterial nature is believed to drive off infections.

Intake of Theertham/Holy water:Theertham is considered to be the holy water in Hindu mythology and offered as a token of blessing. The holy water which is used to wash the idol is stored in a copper, brass or silver vessel and offered to the devotees. Most of the temples offer holy water mixed with Cardamom, Cloves, Saffron, Edible Camphor, and Tulsi.Vishnu temple offers Tulsi Theertham (Holy Water mixed with Basil Leaves).Shiva temple offers Bilva Theertham (Holy Water mixed with Bael Leaves).The Holy water holds various medicinal properties.Consuming the holy water stored in metals like copper, brass or silver helps reduce the body temperature and ensures proper functioning of various metabolic activities in the body. The Tulsi leaves provide great relief from fever, cold, cough, sore throat, respiratory disorders, stress, mouth infections, insect bites, headaches etc., aids in digestion.Its healing properties doesn’t end here and needs to be handled as a separate topic.The Bael Leaves cures Stomach ulcers, controls diabetes and cholesterol, relieves constipation.The holy water mixed with Cardamom, Cloves, Edible camphor helps in proper digestion, detoxifies the body, controls blood pressure, relieves toothaches and respiratory disorders.

Tulsi offerings:The Holy basil/Tulsi which is considered as a sacred plant in Hinduism has its diverse healing properties as we discussed earlier.However, in temples, they are offered because chewing the leaves gives instant calmness and act as a great stress buster.Recent studies have proved its significance against stress.The innumerous health benefits of Tulsi has been known and valued way back and must probably be the reason for its first place in the list of our grandma’s medication.

Throwing Coins into a River:The cultural belief of throwing coins into the river is that it brings good luck.In ancient times, the copper coins thrown into the rivers ensured to provide the health benefits of the metal as rivers were the only source of drinking water.However, nowadays this tradition doesn’t hold good with our coins made out of stainless-steel.

Eating prasadam sitting on the floor: More than a tradition, there is an imperative reason for sitting on the floor and eating.The sitting posture is known as “Sukhasan” in Yogasana.While we sit on the floor and eat, the bending forth and back of the abdomen muscles results in secretion of digestive enzymes,making it easier for proper and quick digestion.We also tend to apply some pressure to our spine, thereby facilitating relaxation.

So, it goes on. One might think, why not tulsi water and bael water be prepared at home or vibuthi and kumkuma is used sitting right at home in order to obtain their health benefits? how does a person acquire the benefits of the holy water which is consumed in a very little amount? In fact, the Tulsi/Bael water is considered ‘Holy’ only by theists and becomes just water for an Atheist.But let us perceive and consider the fact,A temple is a place of positive vibrations, peace, and harmony.It creates a surrounding to build our faith. It provides a space to inculcate good habits and behaviour within us.We generally wash our hands and legs, talk good things, maintain peace with our mates as well as the public, parting away our egos when inside a temple.In such an atmosphere, these rituals completely add to enrich the goodness and purity of the ambience.